Interactive Whiteboards in the Kindergarten Classroom By James Maxlow Image from

Overview Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) are ‘giant touch screens’ that let you control a computer screen via touch IWBs are ideal for interactive lessons with students where they can manipulate images, text, sounds, video, virtual objects, and more IWBs tend to lead to high engagement among students but can only be used by a one or a few students at a time

Types and Brands Touch-resistive (SMART, Hitachi) Radio-frequency wands (Promethean) Infrared wands (Hitachi, NEC, Epson, Do-it-yourself Wii)

Instructional Uses Direct presentation and engagement Individual use as a center – writing exercises, letter sound identification, addition and subtraction problems, etc. Small group collaborative use – word and number games Student-led instruction – presenting

Affordances Manipulating images, text, and objects is key to kindergarten learning Virtually unlimited manipulatives and media sources Communities of educators that share Highly engaging Pre-built tools, media, and games to speed lesson creation Easy enough for users of all ages

Constraints High cost of top-end models Limited to individual or small group use Stand-and-deliver is tempting Advanced software use not appropriate for kindergarten students Advanced use requires sustained professional development